Hey there! Jeviko here, and today I’m sharing my absolute favorite party snack recipe that never fails to impress. Last weekend, while hosting a game night at my house, I served these Crispy Fried Cheese Bites, and let me tell you – they disappeared faster than I could make them!
There’s something magical about biting through that golden, crispy shell to find perfectly melted cheese inside. The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients to create these addictive little morsels. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless test batches (tough job, but someone had to do it! 😉), and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks with you.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese Bites
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect crispy exterior with gooey center
- Customizable with different cheese varieties
- Great make-ahead option for parties
Why did my cheese leak out during frying?
The key is freezing your cheese cubes for at least 15 minutes before coating and frying. This extra step prevents premature melting. Also, make sure your oil maintains a steady 350°F temperature – too low, and the cheese melts before the coating crisps up.
Can I make these without deep frying?
Absolutely! While traditional frying gives the crispiest results, you can air fry these at 375°F for 6-8 minutes. Spray them with cooking oil first for better browning. They won’t be quite as golden, but they’ll still be delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cheese bites?
Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave – it’ll make them soggy and the cheese might become rubbery.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Cut cheese into cubes and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings in a shallow bowl.
- Create a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture in a third.
- Coat each cheese cube in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
- Fry cheese bites in batches for 45-60 seconds until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Double-coat your cheese bites for extra crunchiness by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Keep oil temperature steady – use a thermometer if possible.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – leave space between each cheese bite while frying.
- Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon for easy removal from oil.
- Season your breadcrumbs generously – the cheese needs bold flavors to shine.
- Pat the cheese cubes dry before coating to help the flour stick better.
Storage and Serving Suggestions:
Store uncooked breaded cheese bites in the freezer for up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen, adding 15-20 seconds to cooking time.
Serve with:
- Classic marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy arrabiata sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Fresh basil for garnish
